Machine Gun Corps, 33rd Battalion, Service no. 44097
Born: 15th April 1883. Died: 8th September 1950.
Story
William was born in Kippax, the son of Temple Dixon (1852-1917) and Ana Louisa Clayton (1858-1938). William’s mother was photographed in 1880 working at the Old Royal Oak (right):
William married Henrietta Wilson (below left) on 20th May 1907 in Kippax, and they had three children before the start of the War.
William was a coal miner, and volunteered for service on 17th April 1915, whilst he was living in West Houghton, Lancashire.
William was a capable soldier, and quickly made Lance Corporal, but he landed in trouble with the Army through making a habit of not returning to active duty following leave of absences. His first offence was at Kinsale on 1st October 1915, when he overstayed his leave by nine days, which meant he lost his Lance Stripe; a second offence followed on 8th April 1916 when he was two days late from having a tattoo. On 26th September 1916 at Grantham, he overstayed his leave by 8 days. On 3rd November 1916 he failed to report and was caught by police at his home address in Bolton, with a pass for only seven days leave which had expired. He was detained for 20 days and docked 28 days’ pay, as he had been for every day he was missing from duty. Another offence followed on 29th November 1917, when William overstayed his special leave by 21 days. William was promoted, but returned to Private rank at his own request. He was wounded on 24th December 1917 and admitted to hospital, and also suffered from Influenza. On 8th December 1918, he was sentenced to four months’ hard labour after failing to report at Victoria Train Station. He was sentenced to Durham Prison on 15th March 1919, and was released 17th July 1919.
During, and after the War, William and Henrietta had four more children, and he still has relatives living in Kippax and surrounding villages. William was awarded a plaque by the West Houghton Peace Celebration Committee (below) for his part in the War, and passed away in Kippax in 1950, at the age of 67.
Kippax Roll of Honour 